2025.10.30 THROW BACK THURSDAY - EXCITING DAYS AT CENTRAL WITH NEW SCIENCE BUILDING PLUS CLASS NEWS
THROW BACK THURSDAY - EXCITING DAYS AT CENTRAL WITH NEW SCIENCE BUILDING PLUS CLASS NEWS
It was a milestone day on the campus of historic Little Rock Central High School as the Tiger community opened their first new academic building since the school opened in 1927. Media and members of the community toured the new state-of-the-art science building today at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It's 67,000 square feet and filled with labs and classrooms. With three floors dedicated to chemistry, biology, physics, robotics, and horticulture, the new science wing supports Little Rock Central High's academic excellence. “They've been winning local, regional, and international awards for years. So just imagine what they can do with a building at this level, which is state-of-the-art,” said Principal Nancy Rousseau. She said this state-of-the-art building has a 200-seat lecture hall, a rooftop patio classroom, and more. “It has a robotics lab, it has a roof garden, it has touches and rooms that we never thought we would ever, ever even dream of having,” said Rousseau. Because of the history behind the building, the head architect, Sarah Bennings, said this project was a challenge. However, they “were able to use the exact same brick blend from Acme Brick that they put on the main building, that's also here on the science building,” said Bennings. Before the science wing was built, Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright said portable buildings were used for 25 years. "They have all been removed. This was almost like a portable campus in the back part of this campus,” said Wright. “So, we're excited to have those portables gone and away forever." In addition to the opening of the science building, a 58,000 square foot field house opened in October. "It's relatively new. This is the first full school year that they will have access to the field house and the athletic facilities,” said Wright. These two projects are part of Central High School's first major expansion and renovation in over 50 years. “It was on my bucket list when I first came to Central in 2002. I wanted to have an athletic building, a science building, and I'm just thrilled to death that my dreams have come true,” said Rousseau.
A personal note: I had the privilege of touring the new building last night. It is spectacular. Maybe we can get everyone there when we get together next year for our 70th Reunion. Central High is beginning to look like a college campus.
Double Click to enlarge. This is Nancy Rousseau and Joe Crow standing in front of the most fabulous wall outside the TIGER HALL.
A room you wouldn't believe. They use Tiger Hall for various things. Yesterday they gave SATs to 87 students.
This was inside Dr. Maris' Chemistry Lab. I got such a kick out of the "do's and don't". In our times what would they have put up
for us. "No talking, no passing notes, no funny noises or to Jess Matthews you go!"
What an evening! Bill Harmon, you must come up to see this!!!!!!
1956 CLASS NEWS
We lost one of the nicest guys in our Class last Friday, Tony Owens. He had been having some problems and moved to Parkway Village's Asissted Living facility.
Joe Crow and I just visited with him two weeks ago and he looked wonderful and was so happy to see us. He went to the hospital shortly after our visit with a UTI and
passed away there.
Anthony "Tony" E. Owens of Little Rock, AR
January 9, 1939 - October 24, 2025
Anthony (Tony) Owens, 86, departed this life October 24, 2025. He was the eldest son of three children born to Charles and Sue Owens. He is preceded in death by his brother William Owens. Tony, a lifelong resident of Little Rock, graduated from Central High School in 1956. He attended George Washington University ana graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in business administration; and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Upon graduation he served eight years in The Army National Guard as a music specialist (trumpet) in the 105th Army Band. Tony began his work life in Washington, DC as a clerical staffer for Senator Fulbright. Upon returning to Little Rock, he was employed by Pyramid Life Insurance Company as service manager. In 1975 he became the owner/operator of Jetletter Printing Company which specialized in direct mail. He retired in 2005. He and his life partner, Paul Bash, met in 1980 and shared forty-five years together. During those years there were many trips throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe, including France, Germany, Poland and The Czech Republic, Holland, Italy, Turkey and Greece. Paul was the tour guide and Tony loved being the sightseer. They shared a get-away residence for 25 years on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake where Chef Paul would do the cooking and Tony was the Captain of the party barge entertaining family and friends. Favorite spots for everyone were the screened in porch in the summer and the fireplace in the winter. He lived his entire life in Hillcrest, and as the party boy of the neighborhood he enjoyed hosting gatherings around his backyard swimming pool. Tony considered himself fortunate. He had loving parents and was raised as a Christian and was a longtime member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He is survived by his loving partner Paul and his brother Gary and his partner Harold Decena (Dallas). A visitation will take place at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00pm on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. A Service of Christian burial will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Dr. (Hillcrest), Little Rock on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Please wear bright colors. No flowers please. If you wish to memorialize Tony, please make a contribution to World Central Kitchen - a worthy organization that feeds people all over the world in times of disasters.
1954 CLASS NEWS
Dana Booe Ritchie
of Little Rock, AR
January 18, 1936 - October 24, 2025
Dana Booe Ritchie, friend, volunteer, social being, beloved daughter, beloved wife and beloved Mother passed away on October 24, 2025. She was 89 years old. She was born in Little Rock to John Gillespie Booe and Willie Williams Booe on January 18, 1936, the only child of three who grew into adulthood. She was married to Robert Estes Ritchie II (''Bob''), son of Reeves and Gladys Ritchie, for 50 years until his death in 2016. She met Bob on a blind date in 1962 and they married in 1966. They honeymooned in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and LaPaz, Bolivia, thus beginning a wonderful life filled with much happiness and many blessings. She was adored by her four children, their spouses and their children, all of whom she leaves behind with gaps in their hearts: Pamela Ritchie Aguirre of Little Rock; John (J.) Ritchie and his spouse, Mark Linvill of Bellevue, Washington; Robin Ritchie McNight and Allen McNight of Conroe, Texas; Susan Ritchie Moenning and Chuck Moenning of Madison, Mississippi. Her three grandchildren: Sarah Aguirre Guy and her husband J. Guy of Little Rock; Rebecca Elizabeth McNight and Kathryn Grace McNight of Conroe, Texas. Her last living generational relative is her cousin John Michael Booe of Cornelius, NC. Her life was full and content as a daughter, wife, mother and friend. Over her 89 years, she was active in and volunteered her time and skills in a broad range of social and service organizations: Beta Sigma Phi, Junior Departmental Club, Little Rock Jaycettes, March of Dimes, Florence Crittenden Home, garden clubs, book clubs and others. In her later years, PEO and The Aesthetic Club gave her new friendships and further cemented long term friendships. She was a member of the Country Club of Little Rock, where her 50th Wedding Anniversary and multiple milestone birthdays were celebrated. At Lakeside Country Club, she and Bob entertained friends each holiday. She was a member of First Christian Church for almost 60 years, where she attended with her family and served in various roles, including Vice-Chair and Chair. She will be well-remembered for her dedication to the 1954 Class of Little Rock Central High School. As a senior, she was editor of the Pix yearbook, chronicling the lives and experiences of her fellow classmates. She continued that commitment well into her 80's as she organized class reunions every five years through their 65th and final reunion in 2019. In 2004 her classmates paid tribute to her with a journalism scholarship in her honor for deserving LRCHS journalism students. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Billie Booe; her brother, Dan Gaylon Booe; a baby sister; two very special aunts, Jessie Williams Avery of Little Rock and Doris Booe Bowling of Little Rock and her cousin and lifetime friend, Shirley June Bowling. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Christian Church Endowment Fund (14411 Taylor Loop Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223) or the Little Rock Compassion Center or a charity of one's choosing. There will be a private family graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery. The memorial service will be at Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Friday, October 31st at noon, officiated by Reverend Donna Hankins. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Linvill, Allen McNight, Chuck Moenning, J. Guy, James Mulkey, Mike Booe and Bob Bracy.
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